Pneumatic spring



(No Model.)

ELEGQR. PNEUMATIC SPRING.

No. 598,982.A

Patented Feb. 15,` 1898.

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. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD L. EGGER, OF CENTRALIA, ILLINOIS.

PNEUMATIC SPRING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 598,982, dated February 15, 1898.

Application tiled January 18, 1897. Serial No. 619,597. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD L. EGGER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Centralia, in the county of Marion and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pneumatic Springs; and I do hereby declare the following vto be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention has reference to a pneumatic cushion or spring, and has for its object to provide a cushion or spring that can be used in various connections as a substitute for a metallic or other resilient material and which provides a cushion wherein the resiliency is more evenly distributed.

The invention consists in the features of construction hereinafter fully described and specically claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, Figure l is a central vertical section of a pneumatic cushion constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig. 2 is a similar view illustrating a modified construction. V Y

In accordance with the principle involved by this invention it is intended to provide a pneumatic cushion that can be employed in various connections, as above set forth, and in Fig. l is shown one embodiment, wherein l indicates a cup or base, and 2 a cap, both of which are made of metal or the like. The said base and cap are spheroidal in contour, and each is provided at their edges with a rim 3, by means of which they can be secured together by the bolts 4.. The said basel is provided with an interior lining 5, of rubber or other flexible material, and this lining extends outwardly and between the rims 3, and in connection with the flexible diaphragm 6 makes an air-tight chamber 7. The said diaphragm 6 is made of suitable flexible material--for instance, rubber-and its marginal edge extends also between the rims 3, so that when the lining 5 and the edge of the diaphragm 6 are clamped between the rims of the cap and base an air-tight joint is made. The base is provided with the'inflating-tube S, of ordinary construction, to receive an ordinary air-pump. The cap 2 is provided with an upright guide 9, which is preferably formed 'nut 13.

integral therewith in the manner shown. The axis of the guide 9 is coincident with the axis of the base and cap, and situated within the guide is a stemv 10, the inner end of which is connected with the diaphragm 6. The particular constructionillustrated in Fig. l shows the stem 10 as extending through an opening in the diaphragml and provided with a bearing -plate 11, situated outside of the diaphragm and fast with the stem. On the inner face of the diaphragm is a washer l2 and The said bearing-plate is in its general contour spherical, so that when it presses upon the diaphragm there is no danger of the latter being torn or injured. To the said stem it is intended to fasten any part to be supported. Therefore since this invention relates only to the pneumatic cushion it is unnecessary to specify any particular use therefor.

In using this device the chamber '7 is iniated through the tube 8, and it is seen that pressure uponthe stem 10 is communicated to the exi'ble diaphragm, which is sustained by the air within the chamber. The diaphragm is compressed according to the weight impressed thereon, and the result is that the diaphragm adjusts itself in accordance therewith.

In the modification shown in Fig. 2 the parts are practically the same, with the exception that the lower end of the stem 10 instead of passing through the diaphragm is provided at its lower end with the spherical bearing-plate 11, that simply rests upon the diaphragm, and it is obvious that the action of the device is the same.

It is understood, of course, that the inven-v tion is susceptible of various slight changes Ain the construction, and consequently I do not care to be limited, exceptv in the claims for the specific construction, to the construction herein shown.

The spring or cushion forming the subject of this application is not adapted for use in connection ,with any particular machine or device. It may be used in any circumstances where a spring is necessary. It is proposed as a substitute for a coiled or plate spring and is adapted for use in any connection where it is found convenient.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In adeviee of the kind speeied, a'base, a lining for said base, a oap upon said base, a dexible diaphragm between said lining of the base and said cap, Jthe edges of said lining and said iiexible diaphragm being secured between the edges of the base and cap, and a stem retained in a guide and bearing upon said flexible diaphragm.

2. In a device of the kind specified, abase, a lining for said base, a cap upon said base, a flexible diaphragm between said lining of the base and said oap, the edges of said lining and said iexible diaphragm being secured between the edges of the base and cap, a stem retained in a guide and bearing upon said flexible diaphragm, and an infiatingtube through said base and lining.

3. In a device of the kind specified, a base, a lining for said base, a cap for said base, an outwardly-extending guide upon said cap, a flexible diaphragm situated between said eap and said lining, the edges of said lining and diaphragm being held between the edges of the base and cap, and a movable stem situated within said guide and having one end bearing upon said diaphragm While its opposite end extends beyond said guide.

4. In a device of the kind specified, an air- Cham ber having a iiexible diaphragm, a movable stem, and a spherical bearing-plate carried by said stem and resting upon said diaphragm.

5. In a device of the kind specified, an airchamber having a iiexible diaphragm, amovable stem having its end portion extending through an opening in said diaphragm, a spherical bearing-plate rigid With said stem and situated on the outside of said diaphragln, and a nut and washer upon said stem on the inner side of said diaphragm.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the preseneeof two subscribing witnesses.

ED WARD L. EGGER.

IVitnesses:

J. J. BUNDY, U. S. BUNDY. 

